The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small breed of spaniel that has been around since the 16th century. It was named after King Charles II, who was known to be fond of the breed. The breed was developed by crossing small spaniels and toy breeds such as the Pug and Japanese Chin. During the 19th century the breed became popular among English nobility and is often seen in paintings from that time.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an affectionate, gentle breed that loves to be around people. They’re a loyal companion that enjoys being part of the family. This breed is intelligent and can be trained easily with patience and consistency. They’re also known for their good nature, making them great therapy dogs.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a relatively healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as heart disease, eye problems, and luxating patellas. It’s important to keep up with regular vet visits to ensure your dog stays healthy.
Overall, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an excellent companion for those looking for a loyal and loving pet.
The AKC has Cavalier King Charles Spaniels ranked as the 14th most popular dog of 2022.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Information
- Average Height: 12-13 inches tall
- Average Length: 11-13 inches
- Average Weight: 13-18 pounds
- Coat Type: Wavy, silky
- Coat Appearance: Luxurious and silky coat
- Coat Colors: Blenheim (red and white), Tri-color (black, tan, and white), Black and Tan, and Ruby
- Grooming Needs: High
- Shedding: Low-shedding
- Brushing Requirements: Regular brushing
- Sensitive to Touch: Not particularly
- Excessive Barking: Moderate
- Tolerance to Heat and Cold: Moderate
- Good Pet: Yes
- Safe with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Good with Other Pets: Yes
- Suitable for life in an Apartment: Yes
- Good for Less Experienced Pet Owners: Yes
- Training: Easy to train
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Weight Gain: Normal
- Health Concerns: Heart disease, cataracts and glaucoma, hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, chronic ear infections, and allergies.
- Allergies: Yes
- Life Span: 12 to 15 years
Physical Appearance of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, sturdy dog with a silky coat. They have a long muzzle and large, round eyes that are usually dark brown. The breed is normally one of four colors: Blenheim (chestnut and white), Tricolor (black, white, and tan), Black and Tan, and Ruby. Their average size is between 12 to 13 inches tall and between 13 to 18 pounds. They have a long, feathered tail that usually points out behind them.
Temperament of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an affectionate, gentle breed that loves to be around people. They’re a loyal companion that enjoys being part of the family. This breed is intelligent and can be trained easily with patience and consistency.
They are also known for their good nature, making them great therapy dogs. Cavaliers are friendly and outgoing, and they get along well with children and other pets.
Training a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Training a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is relatively easy due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement with treats, praise, and affection. It’s important to start training them early in order to establish good habits and prevent any unwanted behaviors from developing.
Training should be consistent and gentle, with plenty of rewards for good behavior. They love to bark when someone is at your door. Plan to spend extra time working with them on not barking.
Obedience Training Classes
Obedience training classes are a great way to teach your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel basic commands and good manners. These classes provide an opportunity for you and your dog to learn together in a positive, structured environment.
Obedience classes can help build a strong bond between you and your pet, as well as teach them important skills such as sit, stay, come , and heel.
Early Socialization Training
Early socialization training is an important part of raising a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Socialization helps the dog become comfortable and confident in different environments and around other people and animals.
It is important to start socializing with your puppy as soon as possible, preferably before they are 16 weeks old. This can be done by introducing them to new people, places, sounds, and experiences in a positive and controlled manner.
Overall, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an excellent companion for those looking for a loyal and loving pet. With proper training and socialization, they can be a wonderful addition to any family.
Kennel Training
Kennel training is an important part of raising a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. It helps to establish boundaries and provide structure, while also teaching the dog to be comfortable in their own space. Kennel training should start as soon as possible, preferably when the puppy is 8-10 weeks old.
The goal of kennel training is to create a safe and comfortable environment for the dog, while also teaching them to stay in their kennel when needed.
It is important to use positive reinforcement such as treats and praise when training your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This will help create a positive association with the kennel and make it easier for them to learn.
Clicker Training
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a history of being stubborn, especially as puppies. They need to be trained to understand what is good behavior and what is not OK. Clicker training will help them understand what is good behavior. Clicker training has you make a noise with the clicker when the desired action is done. In addition to the click you’ll give them a treat, at least while you train them. Every time your dog hears the click they’ll know they did a good job and you are happy.
If your dog misbehaves, try not to punish them because it can discourage them. Instead, remember the clicker training and divert their attention to something else. You might have to do this several times to help your dog understand that they are not supposed to do the undesired activities.
Their Compatibility with Children
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their loving and gentle nature, making them an excellent choice for families with children. They are very loyal and affectionate, and enjoy spending time with their family.
Cavaliers are very patient and tolerant of children, making them a great companion for kids of all ages. They can be taught to play games like fetch or tug-of-war, and are also great cuddle buddies. With proper training and socialization, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be a wonderful addition to any family.
Best Climate for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are well-suited to living in temperate climates. They are very adaptable and can thrive in both hot and cold weather, as long as they have access to shade and plenty of water.
Cavaliers do best in areas with mild winters and warm summers, such as the Mediterranean climate found in many parts of Europe. They also do well in areas with moderate temperatures, such as the Pacific Northwest of the United States. As long as they aren’t kept outside too long they’ll even do fine in cold states like Minnesota.
The Attention a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a breed that loves attention and thrives on human companionship. They are very loyal and affectionate, and enjoy spending time with their owners. Cavaliers are known for their gentle nature and can be trained to obey most basic commands.
They also love to play games such as fetch or tug-of-war, and can be taught to do tricks. It’s important to give your Cavalier plenty of exercise and mental stimulation in order to keep them happy and healthy.
Health Issues
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are generally a healthy breed, especially in their younger years, but they can be prone to certain health issues. Common health problems include:
Periodontal Disease
Like many domesticated cats and dogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can get periodontal disease if their oral health is not taken care of. Periodontal disease is a tooth and gum condition that can become serious in a few ways. One of the biggest problems is that this disease can destroy the gums and teeth of your pet if left untreated.
Another major problem is when the bacteria in the mouth enters the bloodstream. Plaque buildup in the mouth can damage the gums and let bacteria into the bloodstream. If this happens it can cause kidney and liver diseases and even narrow their blood vessels which can lead to heart problems.
One of the easiest ways to prevent periodontal disease is to regularly brush your pets mouth. They generally don’t like it, but regular brushing is the best way you can prevent plaque buildup in your pets mouth.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common disease found in dogs with flat backs like Cavaliers. This happens when the jelly-like cushion between vertebrae slips, resulting in the disc to press the spinal cord. If you find the dog suddenly having difficulty in jumping or moving around, it could be because of IVDD. Sometimes they also develop an arched back, cry or refuse to eat due to pain. If that is the case, you should call your vet. Feeding them moderately and keeping their weight in control can help to prevent your dog from having the disease.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation is another joint problem that the Cavaliers may have. The condition happens when the thigh bone, knee cap and calf are not lined properly which causes lameness or abnormal walking behavior. You may see your dog hopping or skip a few steps while walking. The disease can often result in arthritis. Depending upon the severity of the disease, surgery may be required to treat patellar luxation.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is another hereditary problem that can make walking, getting up or laying down difficult and painful. With hip dysplasia the hip socket fails to fully cover the ball portion of their thigh bone. The looseness between the hip and leg bone leads to partial or complete dislocation of the hip joint and can cause pain and stiffness. In most cases, medication and exercise restrictions are advised by the vet. Over time the condition may become severe enough that your vet may recommend surgery to correct it.
Dry Eye
Dry eye is another disease that results in inadequate production of tears in eyes. If the eyes of your dog have a hazy blue film or look dry you should get them checked to see if they have this disease. Other signs of this condition are a green discharge from the eye. Your vet will be able to prescribe medication to deal with it.
- Cataracts
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- kidney stones
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
- Heart disease
It’s important to have your Cavalier checked by a veterinarian regularly in order to detect any potential problems early on. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help keep your Cavalier healthy.
Bathing, Coat, and Cleaning
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a long, silky coat that requires regular brushing and bathing. It’s important to brush your Cavalier’s coat at least once a week in order to remove any dirt or debris and prevent tangles from forming.
Cavaliers should also be bathed every few months using a mild shampoo specifically designed for dogs.
After bathing, it’s important to thoroughly dry your Cavalier’s coat in order to prevent skin irritation.
It’s important to clean your Cavalier’s ears and eyes regularly in order to prevent infections.
Feeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should be fed a high-quality diet that is specifically formulated for small breeds.
It’s important to provide your Cavalier with the right balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in order to keep them healthy and active.
It’s important to provide your Cavalier with plenty of fresh water throughout the day. Treats can also be given in moderation as a reward for good behavior.
Related Questions:
What is the Average Life Expectancy of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
The average life expectancy of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is between 9 and 14 years. It’s important to provide them with regular veterinary care, exercise, and proper nutrition in order to help them live a long and healthy life. It’s also beneficial to socialize them from an early age and give them plenty of mental stimulation.
What Types of Exercise do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Need?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need daily exercise and mental stimulation. They should be taken for regular walks and given the opportunity to socialize with other animals. Playing fetch or tug-of-war are great ways to give them physical activity, in addition to taking them for a run or letting them explore an enclosed back yard is good too.
What Kinds of Health Issues are Specific to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
Cavaliers can be prone to certain genetic illnesses and conditions such as syringomyelia, an abnormal development of their skull; eye problems such as cataracts and retinal dysplasia; hip and elbow dysplasia; patellar luxation; and heart defects. It’s important to have regular visits with your veterinarian to monitor for any signs of these issues. Cavaliers should be kept at a healthy weight and given regular exercise to ensure they stay fit.
Maryna is an animal expert that has had dozens of animals in her life over the years. She has never found an animal that she didn't love immediately. It seems like every year she finds kittens that have been abandoned by their mom and she nurses them to health and finds homes for them. She contributes her vast knowledge about animals and family pets to our website and we're forever grateful to have her working with us. She's also an amazing graphics designer and has designed all of the social media images that we use across all platforms.